Recent stats show that 8 out of 11 Boston Police Districts report a decline in the number of Larceny From a Motor Vehicle (January 1 to August 6, 2005 vs. January 1 to August 6, 2006).* This resulted in a 5 % overall decrease in motor vehicle break-ins.

• The biggest drop occurred in District A-7 (East Boston), a 47% decrease from this same period in 2005.
• 2nd biggest drop occurred in E-5, which saw a 45% decrease.

• View stats for all 12 Districts (PDF file)

However, three Districts (A1, B2, and D4) reported an increase in the number of thefts from motor vehicles.

• District A-1 (Downtown) reported a 36% increase (This District includes A-15: Charlestown, which saw a 2% increase)

• District B-2 (Roxbury/Mission Hill) reported an 18% increase
• District 4 (South End/ Back Bay) saw a 6 % increase in Motor Vehicle breaks

Motor vehicle breaks are among the most easily preventable of crimes. They are typically crimes of opportunity, committed by thieves who look for valuables left unattended. These thieves can often be discouraged by taking a few simple steps. Here’s how you can protect yourself against motor vehicle breaks.
DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR WHERE OTHERS CAN SEE THEM. Valuable items, such as your laptop, iPod, etc. should never be left in the front or back seat of your vehicle. Always take your valuables with you, or move them into the trunk.

• Lock your doors and windows. Even if your window is only slightly open, it makes your car an easier target for thieves. A thief will insert a wire into a slightly open window to pop up the door lock.
• Replace your standard door lock buttons with tapered ones. Tapered door lock buttons make it more difficult for a thief to hook a wire or device onto the door lock button to pop it open.
• Invest in an anti-theft device. When you buy a new or used car, checking to see if it has an anti-theft device is as important as checking the engine. If there isn\’t one, you should have one installed.
• If you observe any unusual activity or observe a car theft or a break-in, call 911.
  *Source: Boston Regional Intelligence Center. All 2006 data should be considered preliminary.

Recent stats show that 8 out of 11 Boston Police Districts report a decline in the number of Larceny From a Motor Vehicle (January 1 to August 6, 2005 vs. January 1 to August 6, 2006).* This resulted in a 5 % overall decrease in motor vehicle break-ins.

• The biggest drop occurred in District A-7 (East Boston), a 47% decrease from this same period in 2005.
• 2nd biggest drop occurred in E-5, which saw a 45% decrease.

• View stats for all 12 Districts (PDF file)

However, three Districts (A1, B2, and D4) reported an increase in the number of thefts from motor vehicles.

• District A-1 (Downtown) reported a 36% increase (This District includes A-15: Charlestown, which saw a 2% increase)

• District B-2 (Roxbury/Mission Hill) reported an 18% increase
• District 4 (South End/ Back Bay) saw a 6 % increase in Motor Vehicle breaks

Motor vehicle breaks are among the most easily preventable of crimes. They are typically crimes of opportunity, committed by thieves who look for valuables left unattended. These thieves can often be discouraged by taking a few simple steps. Here’s how you can protect yourself against motor vehicle breaks.
DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR WHERE OTHERS CAN SEE THEM. Valuable items, such as your laptop, iPod, etc. should never be left in the front or back seat of your vehicle. Always take your valuables with you, or move them into the trunk.

• Lock your doors and windows. Even if your window is only slightly open, it makes your car an easier target for thieves. A thief will insert a wire into a slightly open window to pop up the door lock.
• Replace your standard door lock buttons with tapered ones. Tapered door lock buttons make it more difficult for a thief to hook a wire or device onto the door lock button to pop it open.
• Invest in an anti-theft device. When you buy a new or used car, checking to see if it has an anti-theft device is as important as checking the engine. If there isn\’t one, you should have one installed.
• If you observe any unusual activity or observe a car theft or a break-in, call 911.
  *Source: Boston Regional Intelligence Center. All 2006 data should be considered preliminary.